Police hunting man who tried to drag youngster into a car in South Tyneside

Sue Kirby

Officers in South Tyneside are appealing for information after a man is alleged to have tried grabbing a schoolgirl in Jarrow.

On Monday, April 25, Northumbria Police got a report that a girl had been approached by a man in a black SUV in Salem Street, at the junction of Staple Road, while she was walking to school.

The man asked if she would like a lift, she declined and the car drove off before stopping at the next junction at Randolph Street. The man opened the car door and grabbed at the girl's wrist, she managed to push him away and ran home.

The girl was not injured but was left shaken by the incident.

The man is described as white, in his 40s, with a black tattoo on his neck with the words LOVEL written in small letters, he was wearing a black beanie hat and blue jeans.

Officers are carrying out enquiries and are appealing for any witnesses.

Neighbourhood Inspector, John Smith, said: "We know local parents will quite rightly be concerned about this incident and I would like to let them know we are doing everything we can to trace the car and the man responsible.

"We will increase patrols in the area, in particular around school start and finish times and would urge anyone concerned to speak to an officer.

"If anyone has any information that can help in our enquiries then we would ask they come forward and pass this on to us."